I am just wondering if I am the only one here who did horribly on the writing sample for the MCAT?
Originally posted by blues
I am just wondering if I am the only one here who did horribly on the writing sample for the MCAT?
Originally posted by GuitarMan
Excuse me while I rant a moment. The essay questions are ridiculous. Why they would ask us to stop in the middle of a stressful science test to write an elaborate essay both supporting and opposing some bull$#!t idea for which the majority us have no opinion one way or the other is beyond me. As a doctor you will have to write short telegraphic notes and orders. I don't think you will need to wax poetic on some uninteresting statement to the effect that a strong leader must sometimes follow the lead of others or whatever other nonsense the testmakers write. Just say no to MCAT essays!
Originally posted by Diogenes
I think the essay is a great idea. Interrupting a stressful science test is exactly the right time to test how well people can articulate ideas verbally. It tests how well you can shift gears, and then shift back again. And as a doctor you will have to explain things to people -- colleages, patients, their family, etc. Maybe the exact way the essay is done isn't the best, but I think that the MCAT should have an essay to test one's ability to synthesize ideas, express one's opinions, communicate, etc. Now I know that interviews are the best way to gauge these skills, but the MCAT is used as a tool for paring down applicants before the interview stage. If a school doesn't want to give any weight to the writing sample they can always ignore it. But some schools may find it a useful tool in the process.
Originally posted by Sweet Tea
My thoughts exactly, Dio. I really like the idea of having an essay as part of the MCAT. Being a doctor isn't just about how well you can apply Newton's second law. You have to be able to communicate in an organized, articulate way with people who often don't have the amount of education that you have.
Originally posted by AlternateSome1
Personally I think having a letter "grade" for the writing section is worthless. It makes more sense to me that they release the essays written to the schools that you are applying to. Now...that would make the MCAT twenty times as stressful, but at least the section wouldn't be deemed worthless by everyone who takes the test.![]()